Barely Holding On (M.C.)

Chapter 7

I let out a loud laugh at Calum, who was trying to balance a spoon on his nose. Luke and Michael won the Paint Ball War since Jensen (who was a terrible partner and extremely unathletic) got shot early on and I just pretended Michael shot me. But we were really sitting in the back corner talking to each other.

After the paintball we went back to Calum's house and we were just messing around. Example: Calum trying to balance a spoon on his nose.

Michael didn't finish what he was saying earlier during Paintball but I assumed it was unimportant since he didn't bring it up again.

"Julia you try." Ashton asked with a giggle. I took the spoon from Calum and leaned my head back, balancing it on my nose as best I could. But every time I put it on, it would fall off and hit the floor. The boys sounded nearly drunk as they cracked up every single time it fell off and I could nearly contain myself. "This is like impossible." I said, clutching my side which was cramping from how much I've been laughing.

"Okay okay let me try." Michael reached out to grab the spoon and I handed it to him. Michael carefully placed it on his nose and leaned back. Everyone expected it to fall but it surprisingly stayed on. All the boys let out cheers and Michael smiled, pleased that he was able to keep it on his nose. I simply smiled and shook my head, clapping a few times. I'm still trying to get myself to trust Michael, but it's a lot harder than I want it to be. He's still a jerk that I want to punch, but he's still an adorable guy that I want to cuddle and hug and want I want him to love me forever. I want to be able to trust him, but he's not making it easy.

"I am the champion!" Michael yelled and the guys laughed even harder.

"You certainly are." I said sarcastically while standing up. "Calum can we order pizza?" I asked while digging into his fridge.

"You're looking in the fridge but you want pizza? Just get something out of there!" Calum stood up and leaned against my shoulder. "There's left over pizza right there." I rolled my eyes and grabbed it out of the fridge and walked over to the microwave.

"That's so much work though. Taking it out of the foil, putting it in, heating it, making sure its cooked fully, putting it on a plate-"

"Dammit Julia just microwave the damn pizza!" Luke interrupted me. I placed it in the microwave and set the timer, waiting for it to be done while the boys chatted.

"Oh shit my baseball game is later today." Michael said as he jumped up and started gathering his stuff.

"Can we come?" Ashton asked, leaning back in his chair.

"Sure. Just don't be stupid like last time." Michael started heading to the door and I headed after him.

"Um can I go with you?" I asked quietly, fumbling with my fingers.

"Oh, sure. Are you sure?" Michael asked, tossing his bag on his shoulder. I nodded and he opened the door for me. "We'll have to walk again. It's not far. We'll get home and I'll change. You can change if you want. And we'll drive back to the field." I nodded as we walked and I kept as quiet as I could, tugging at the rubber band on my wrist. "What's that for?" Michael asked, reaching for my rubber band.

"N-nothing. I always forget hair ties and this one is always on my wrist so just in case I need a hair tie I have one." I lied a little too perfectly but Michael saw through it.

"No what is that for?" I hesitated, biting my lip and fumbling with my fingers. Michael reached for my arm and I yanked it away from him.

"It's an alternative okay? You happy? Are you happy that your 'friend' is a looser who cuts and snaps herself?" I crossed my arms over my chest and walked ahead of him.